Page 10 of Veiled Flames
“Why do we need protection from Catha?” The southernmost and largest of the Seven Kingdoms, Catha borders the impassible barrens.
“The King of Catha has laid accusations that Achotian serfs have offered safe harbor to mages, and that those mages are using our lands to summon demons, damaging the integrity of the veil.”
“Does he have proof?” On behalf of our people, I’m immediately offended by the accusation.
“There’s no truth to it.” Father shakes his head. “Catha has made similar false accusations against Khotor. King Vyktor and I fear that Catha is telling these lies to justify invading our kingdoms in the name of Othrix, claiming we are violating the Tenets.” Father’s eyes fill with anger.
I nod, keeping my lips tightly sealed to trap my questions inside. The Temple of Othrix is in Catha. It’s said that the Prophets there are able to receive Othrix’s word directly. I’ve never fully believed that was true, but if it is… Could it be possible Catha is right? Could there be magic lurking in the forests of Achotia? Was I in even more danger today than I thought? The stranger’s effects on me at times did feel magical.
“To guard against this invasion, King Vyktor and I hope to strike an accord. We will join forces to protect our two kingdoms from Catha.”
“How can I be of help?” Finally, I’m to be of use.
“My daughter—” he smiles “—you will do more than simply help. You are key to this accord.”
Images flash through my mind of me riding a steed into battle, of patrolling our borders with sword in hand. But thatcan’tbewhat he’s thinking, even though I’m a good rider, an excellent archer, and a satisfactory swordsman, as long as the blade is well balanced.
My father might value me less than his spaniels, but I’ll do whatever he wants to earn his respect and gratitude. I’ll do whatever is required to serve my kingdom.
“What do you ask of me?”
A smile spreads across his face. “Daughter, there is no need to look so concerned. While your part in this bargain is crucial, it will be no hardship. In fact, I expect you will rejoice upon hearing the news.” He pauses, as if for dramatic effect, and butterflies race rampant in my belly.
“Daughter.” He grins. “I have secured you a husband.”
“What?” I stagger back. One of the spaniels yelps, and I bump a small table. The crystal decanters on its top clatter against each other.
“Clumsy girl.”
“No. Father.” I step toward him. “Please, Your Grace. I do not want a husband.”
“What you want is of no consequence.” His hand lifts off the arm of the chair, as if shooing my appeal like a fly.
“Of noconsequence?” My built up hurt and anger spill out. “I am well aware that you wish I’d been born with a sausage between my legs.”
My father blinks at my crude language.
“But even though I am a girl, I am aperson.” I slam my fist against my corset bound chest. “I have feelings. I have hopes and dreams. I havevalue.”
The shock on my father’s face knocks me back, and my cheeks flare with heat. I’m his daughter, but he could well have me beheaded for this outburst.
But I sense no beheading is imminent. The flash of shock doesn’t hold, and it turns not to rage, but disappointment. A look I know well.
“Your many failings are mine to bear.” He shakes his head. “After the Queen passed to the Great Beyond, I should have secured another wife. At a minimum, I should have appointed one of her former ladies-in-waiting to attend to your womanly education, instead of banishing them all from court. It’s not your fault you don’t know what’s expected of you as a woman. But, in spite of your wild ways and poor manners, there is yet time for you to be of use.”
“Ofuse?” Anger and hurt stir into a toxic potion inside me. My own father plans to use me like a possession he can trade for his gain.
His irritation is starting to show. “Daughter, you should begratefulthat I secured such a good marriage, anexcellentmarriage into a royal family. Something unheard of for a girl of your advanced age.”
“I have but two and twenty.”
He tightly grips the arms of the chair. “I wed your mother when she had six and ten.” His voice has raised. “And the transaction was struck when she was a mere tot.”
The word transaction sinks in like lead.
“Daughter.” Leaning forward in his chair, the King once again reaches for my hand.
I take it, hungry for his attention despite my profound hurt and anger.
